Martyrs Podcast

SHIP upon the ”Christian Virtues”

Christ described his followers as salt and light. Taking up this metaphor, Fr. Wahlmeier discusses first how salt and light are good for bringing out flavor and the possibility of sight. But if salt becomes corrupted then it can be useless or even dangerous; if light is refracted, our perception of color becomes distorted. Something similar happens with Christian virtues. When these are separated and focused on to the exclusion of others (e.g. tolerance without truth, or justice without pity), then these "virtues" become dangerous. As a corrective, Fr. Wahlmeier proposes the four practices of SHIP: Spiritual, Human, Intellectual, and Pastoral.
 

The 8 Beatitudes

Reflecting on today's Gospel, Fr. Asitha walks us through each of the eight beatitudes and draws out some of the implications for our lives. 

17.2 Baptism & Confirmation: Unpacking These Sacraments

After laying out the big picture of covenant, temple, and new creation throughout Scripture, in this second part, Mark Heffley walks us through how each of these themes relate to baptism and confirmation. Mark also answers some anonymous questions. 

17.1 Baptism & Confirmation: The Big Plan of Salvation

In this first part of the class, Mark Heffley takes us through the big story of salvation with an eye to how baptism and confirmation fit in. Moving through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and the Gospel of John, Mark points out and unpacks the themes of covenant, temple, and new creation. 

NAM as Your John the Baptist

Reflecting on the witness of John the Baptist, Fr. Hall talks about how small groups at Martyrs can help serve in a similar fashion by drawing people to Jesus. For more info, check out https://www.namartyrs.org/smallgroups/ 

15.2 Contemporary Issues Regarding Sex

After explaining the principles of healthy and holy sexuality in the first part of the class, Fr. Hall now discusses why certain behaviors are considered sinful: viewing pornography, pre-marital sex, and same-sex acts. He then closes out the class with a brief treatment of gender discordance. 

15.1 Love of Family: The Christian View of Sex

In this first part of the class, Fr. Hall lays down the basic philosophical and theological foundations for approaching the Church's teaching on sex. Following the lead of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, Fr. Hall explains that sex involves saying something with the body: "I am yours." To say this in the context of a healthy marriage is one of the highest expressions of love possible. 

#2 Let’s Cope

Today, even more than just five years ago, there are plenty of difficulties and and stressors in life. Fathers Hall and Kaup discuss the light Christ sheds on suffering as well as different ways to cope with whatever difficulties you might be going through.  

14.2 The 2nd and 3rd Commandments

In this second part of the class, Fr. Hall teaches on the second and third commandments.

14.1 The 1st Commandment

While the commandments and other divine laws can appear to be arbitrary limits to one's freedom, Fr. Hall helps unpack a more healthy view. Far from limiting our happiness, God's laws safeguard authentic love and promote human flourishing. In this first part of the class, Fr. Hall focuses on the first commandment and some ways in which we might fall into the trap of idolatry in modern times. Also included is part of the Q&A session which includes a lengthy treatment of things demonic.